07.06.2009.
Interview of Minister Sutanovac to "Vecernje novosti"
NATO MEMBERSHIP NOT PRECONDITION FOR EU
It is early to talk about Serbia’s entrance into NATO and the calling of referendum. When the time comes, we will reach a decision in line with the Serbian Constitution, but for the time being Serbia remains neutral. These are the main messages of Minister Sin his interview to “Novosti” daily. He mentions that in order to join NATO we first have to be invited. Since this has not happened yet, this topic has been placed ad acta.
This question has been posed by the opposition as part of its campaign for local elections in two city municipalities. At this moment, this should not burden the citizens of Serbia.
And if we get the invitation, will there be a referendum?- I am sure that all decisions will be made in compliance with the constitution and the law.
One part of the public is afraid that the Government might decide to join the NATO without referendum as a back-door way of obtaining NATO membership?
- Such big and strategically important decisions on the country’s future cannot be made over night. The issue of Euro Atlantic integrations is a very serious question. Let me remind you that our priority are European integrations.
You claim that Serbia can become EU member without entering NATO? Who guaranteed that?
- In our talks with the top officials of EU and NATO we got assurances that neither the recognition of Kosovo’s independence or NATO membership are preconditions for EU.
Do you believe that the citizens of Serbia will give the necessary support to the alliance or rather opt for military neutrality?
-It would be naïve to think that a referendum might be called soon. I am just interested to know who would be running the campaign. I have not yet noticed anyone who is pro-NATO oriented, however, from those running anti-NATO campaign I expect to be given an alternative solution. These are not times for referendum. There is still lot of work to be done in the military and this idea has not ripened yet. Therefore, the question of membership is not a question of security but of boosting the economy. Integrations entail stability and economic security.
To representatives of military authorities claim that Serbia can remain neutral. How realistic is that in the current position of world powers, especially in the long run?
- It is almost certain that all states from our region will join NATO in the upcoming years, and this would leave us as the only country beyond this organization. However, our activities in Partnership for Peace Program as well as regional cooperation are necessary for securing stability for our citizens.
Did you tell Vice President Byden that our country planned to remain neutral in the long-run?
- That was not a topic of our discussion.
What did you talk about then?
- We discussed future reforms, professionalizing, activities in PfP and engagement of our members in peace missions, security in the Balkans…Vice President Byden, before he met with me, voiced US stances publicly as regards our European integrations, thus confusing those who call themselves nationalists. Let me remind you that Serbia has US support to our path towards EU, without any further conditioning.
How will the current economic crisis affect our army? Which segments of the army wile be affected?
- We have experienced a 26% cut in the military budget and this will have negative effects on the investments, equipping and residential construction…On the other hand, the reforms will continue as we do not need money to that extent for military education. Our defense system also continues with the process of achieving fully professional army in order to finalize it in the set deadline as ordered determined by President Tadic, which is by the end of next year.
Does this mean that this will be the end of recruitment rounds?
- Yes, once we have achieved fully professional army we will have only those who want to sign up as professional soldiers.
will this affect the security of our country?
- We will then have well-trained professionals, all our neighbours have reduced their armies. The Russian armed forces are also experiencing downsizing by several hundred thousand people as they want to invest money into equipment and armaments.
TADIC KNOWS HOW WE OPERATE
We recently heard praises of your work by President Tadic...
- President Tadic is in a position to see how the defense system works, as he was the Minister of Defense himself once. We have been leading the ministry in one positive direction for tow years now, achieving impressive results with no scandals constantly trying to raise the army’s repute, investing in the military education, health care, with the opening of a military medical faculty afoot. It is only logical that a man cognizant of the system should praise our achievemtnts.
BYDEN HAS NO FAVOURITE SERBIAN POLICIANS
Why are you Byden’s favourite among Serbian politicians?
- It is hard to believe that he has a favourite. In that case, I might as well be the favourite of Vice President of China, the Turkish and Austrian Presidents as well. Policis is not a personnel business. His visit to SAF and MoD represents a sign of respect to all the men in the defense system, and the whole team working in implementing reforms.
PRESIDENT WAS NOT AT RISK
Was President’s safety put at risk recently when an armed man entered the Government carrying two bombs?
- I am sure that if we were to behave as in other countries, surrounding the Building of the Government with barb wire, and high fences we would spark great discontent among the citizens of Serbia. The part of the building where this man entered was not under security surveillance and anyone can enter this part of the complex. President’s life was not at risk, but rather the lives of those citizens passing by that man.
